BMW considered V10 and V8 motors for the i8 - Cooling problems killed it

BMW considered V10 and V8 motors for the i8 - Cooling problems killed it

If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

BMW considered V10 and V8 motors for the i8 - Cooling problems killed it

The BMW i8 is a gorgeous car. Finally a high end BMW with looks to rival sports cars from competitors and with a $135,925 point of entry it is placed in some elite company. The only problem with the car is that at that lofty price point just about everything else in the range is far more powerful. A report from a Dutch publication states that BMW originally considered a V10 or a V8 for the i8 which makes far more sense for a sports car in this price range.

What killed the V10 or V8 off? The hybrid drivetrain. Once the decision was made that the i8 would be the halo car for the 'i' brand a premium was put on the electric efficiency aspects. The batteries and electric motors generate heat and so does a high horsepower V8 or V10. One would think BMW engineers would be able to resolve those issues but they decided instead to pair a 1.5 liter turbo direct injected three-cylinder to the electric drivetrain. Would the more powerful 2.0 liter four-cylinder N20 engine generate much more heat than the 1.5 liter turbo motor though?

Someone at BMW perhaps should have considered the car might make far more sense without the electric drivetrain. This is not a high volume model that will revolutionize transportation worldwide but a statement vehicle for BMW. The car is to show off as they do not include those doors because they are cheaper to manufacture.

The problem is since this car is partially designed to get attention for the BMW 'i' brand it really is the 'i' brand that killed any chance of a V10 or V8 in this sports car. What about a simple resolution? An i8 M? Well, BMW is saying no to that for now. The thought that BMW considered a V10 version though and opted against it definitely hurts enthusiast appeal. An S85 V10 under the hood with 500+ horsepower in an even lighter car without the electric batteries and motors? That would have been special. It would have been a proper M1 homage. And That is what we should have. That is what we still could have.

Damn...the only statement they made to me with this car is.... pussy engineering. This car needs an S85 like...like...I dunno...but it needs it pretty badly. And a TT version at that! Why? Cause 750whp just makes it even better.

Damn...the only statement they made to me with this car is.... pussy engineering. This car needs an S85 like...like...I dunno...but it needs it pretty badly. And a TT version at that! Why? Cause 750whp just makes it even better.

I'd be fine with even the standard S65. Anything but this three-cylinder bull$#@!.

This was decided long ago, in the feasibility phase of development. The S85 V10 was out of certification, but they could have amended the application for a new production phase.

BMW trying different engines is nothing new. With that being said, you know they tried the S55 in-line twin turbo, direct injection engine. Think of it tweaked to 516hp, with an M-DCT drivetrain, carbon fiber roof, chassis and more.

i keep saying this car would be heaven with a s85! one of the best engines ever! mine made 511whp and I didn't have the throttle bodies yet or the stroker, maxed out this car could probably hit about 600whp. thats over 140bhp per liter out of a na engine that can rev to 8800rpm!

i keep saying this car would be heaven with a s85! one of the best engines ever! mine made 511whp and I didn't have the throttle bodies yet or the stroker, maxed out this car could probably hit about 600whp. thats over 140bhp per liter out of a na engine that can rev to 8800rpm!

You still have your M6?

Yea that's pretty awesome... and a car like this that is def the engine it needs..

Interesting that Porsche figured out packaging on a high HP turbo v8 and hybrid drive system for the 918. Certainly that's a car in a whole different segment based on its price, but the packaging certainly is possible.

Interesting that Porsche figured out packaging on a high HP turbo v8 and hybrid drive system for the 918. Certainly that's a car in a whole different segment based on its price, but the packaging certainly is possible.

BMW just wants the i8 to be an i brand icon.
They tuned the 3-cylinder especially for this i8.
They tried the 6 and 8 cylinder engine in there, and besides heat the extra weight of the engines was also an issue.
They just don't want this car to be a petrol-only car.
What can you do...

BMW just wants the i8 to be an i brand icon.
They tuned the 3-cylinder especially for this i8.
They tried the 6 and 8 cylinder engine in there, and besides heat the extra weight of the engines was also an issue.
They just don't want this car to be a petrol-only car.
What can you do...